What would you do?

[maichan]

I normally try not to post this sort of question, but I can't help myself and would like some opinions.

I've collected all the hardcovers except one, and that is Book #6 Circles.

Now, I've seen a few but they were priced more than I want to pay. One seller keeps listing his at the same price over and over again... I do have my monetary limits.

I've seen another book for a price more in my range, and maybe you have too, but I've been hesitant to go for it. The only reason being is the title page is stamped in ink with a Library name and address (like with a rubber stamp) - see image below.

Would this keep you from getting the book, or wouldn't it matter. I'm really on the fence with this one, trying to decide what to do. The only reason I hesitate is due to the stamp, and this is usually the page Stan sketches on.

I know I could be messing up my chances by even asking, and maybe someone else here will jump on it, but I'd honestly like the hear what some of you might have to say.

I know only I can make the final decision. It's up to me what I do, but your sage advice would be appreciated.

Thank you!

[go]

Dear Maichan,
Is this ex library book really a signed limited edition or is this a tpb with a library binding?
Technically it would still be called a hard back, but not ltd. and signed...
Otherwise, personally i would buy the book and consider the stamp as a mark of character and history...
Also I am a completist so i would skip many meals, etc. to buy the book.
These thoughts are my opinions only.
Do what your gut tells you.
Enjoy your journey.
Best wishes to all!
go

[Gaffey]

I wouldn't want a limited edition hardcover with a giant stamp in it. Unless it's dirt cheap.

Why don't you give this guy your "Best Offer".

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Usagi-Yojimbo-S ... 21007dcae0

[maichan]

Dear Maichan,
Is this ex library book really a signed limited edition or is this a tpb with a library binding?
Technically it would still be called a hard back, but not ltd. and signed...
Otherwise, personally i would buy the book and consider the stamp as a mark of character and history...
Also I am a completist so i would skip many meals, etc. to buy the book.
These thoughts are my opinions only.
Do what your gut tells you.
Enjoy your journey.
Best wishes to all!
go

Thank you for your comments go. The book is a signed and numbered limited edition hardcover.
Besides the stamp on the title page, my concern is overall condition, especially if it was well read at the library. However, the seller says it's "like Brand New, with some shelf wear."
Currently my gut is a little uneasy, thus my questions...

[maichan]

I wouldn't want a limited edition hardcover with a giant stamp in it. Unless it's dirt cheap.

Why don't you give this guy your "Best Offer".

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Usagi-Yojimbo-S ... 21007dcae0

Thank you Gaffey.
It's not "dirt cheap," but I have thought of contacting the seller to see if they will take less.
Depending on the outcome, I may consider the other book you made me aware of.

[Mayhem]

Does it still have the dust cover?

[maichan]

Does it still have the dust cover?

Yes, it does.
The seller does mention the following, "...hardcover is like BRAND NEW but does show some shelf and handling wear. The back has a slight ding on the bottom right & left corner. The front has a slight ding on the right top & bottom corners. The cover does have some light scratches & "rubbing" marks, but is fully glossy."

[Steve Hubbell]

My opinion? Buy it and next time you get a chance to see Stan, ask if he can do a library themed Usagi sketch on the page. It is a beautiful book with or without a library stamp, and having proof that your favorite comic series is popular enough to make it into public libraries cannot be a bad thing. And worse comes to worse, later on down the road you can upgrade if you really desire.

[Thomas Froehling]

My answer might come a Little late, but here it is: I'd second Steve, with the added advice to ask Sensei before a possible meeting, if he's still got a copy of HC # 6 somewhere in his.... storeage. Just in case, if he had, you'd be in the comfortable position to have a complete collection and may choose which copy to keep...

[maichan]

Thanks for all your comments and recommendations everyone!

I'd like to inform you that my collection is now complete.
I am the proud owner of book six, however, not the copy that started this thread.

Stan actually saw this thread and sent me a PM letting me know he might have a copy. I had checked with Stan a few years ago, and he was all out of book six at that time. Or so we thought. As it turns out Stan found a hidden stash during his move to Temecula and the rest is history. Thank you Stan! ~ Domo arigatou gozaimasu Sakai-Sensei!

[jabba359]

Thanks for all your comments and recommendations everyone!

I'd like to inform you that my collection is now complete.
I am the proud owner of book six, however, not the copy that started this thread.

Stan actually saw this thread and sent me a PM letting me know he might have a copy. I had checked with Stan a few years ago, and he was all out of book six at that time. Or so we thought. As it turns out Stan found a hidden stash during his move to Temecula and the rest is history. Thank you Stan! ~ Domo arigatou gozaimasu Sakai-Sensei!

Very cool! Congrats on completing the collection. Not only that, but you have a great story to tell about how you managed to get the last book.

[Gaffey]

Sweet!! Just imagine all the goodies he's finding.

[Lobster Johnson]

Glad you could complete your collection, Maichan! That is indeed a great story!

[Maka]

Congratulations Maichan!,

What a great ending to your journey to collect all the hardcovers. Now you have a story to tell!

Fantastic! So very happy for you.

Must be your lucky #7.

Peace, maka

[PJaensch]

Glad to hear of the happy ending to this story! I decided against trying to collect them all, but Stan also helped me get my all-time favorite volume: Space Usagi. Such a nice guy!